While this will change later this year, for the moment Rogers is the only GSM provider in the country. Since GSM has emerged as the dominant global wireless technology, this has had big consequences for consumer choice and marketplace competition. Most new devices, such as the popular Apple iPhone, are available only for GSM providers, meaning that Rogers has enjoyed a virtual monopoly on the hottest devices.

That change will likely come in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics, as Bell & Telus are widely expected to roll out GSM-based services to steal some of that sweet international roaming revenue from the only GSM game in town…